W. D. Harden

W. D. Harden

If you've been seeing a lot of "hellhounds" lately, you might not have the Devil to blame. It may just be that W.D. Harden's "Hellhound" folk art is everywhere! Following the tradition of folk art heroes like R.A. Miller, W.D. has created a signature character who makes frequent appearances in his artwork. As Blues fans know, there is a legend that blues guitarist Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for his extraordinary musical talent. Hellhounds were sent out by the Devil to enforce the evil bargain. So it is with reverence to Miller, Johnson, and perhaps the Devil, that W.D. has taken on "Hellhound" as his subject, the unrelenting collection agent when there is indeed "Hell to pay". And if you're seeing Hellhounds, you are likely also seeing Elvis, who also turns up almost as frequently in W.D.'s art. There are other subjects - portraits & critters & cityscapes - all painted in bright colors on scrap wood or metal in bold primitive style.